THE valuable contributions of the children of foster care parents have been honoured at a civic ceremony.

Coventry’s Lord Mayor Jack Harrison, who was himself fostered as a toddler, presented 17 young unsung heroes, aged seven to 17, with certificates at the Council House in recognition of the support they give.

It was the first event of its kind in the city, and coincided with a national campaign by The Fostering Network to increase awareness of the role played by the sons and daughters of foster carers.

Reporter Cara Simpson spoke to some of the youngsters to find out what they enjoy most about being part of a foster family.

--------------------------

AMY Hibbert is one of the city’s unsung heroes. She has been a special “sister”, welcoming other young people into her home for years.

The 14-year-old didn’t complain when she was put in the position of sharing her mum Wendy, 50, with strangers, and has helped make them feel comfortable in their new environment at her Holbrooks home.

But like hundreds of other children of foster carers, she has made a crucial contribution to the upbringing of new arrivals who come into her home, not knowing how they will react.

She has been a constant support to her mum, who started fostering six years ago, whether it is taking them out to meet her friends, or being a shoulder to cry on when she is needed.

The President Kennedy School pupil said: “It’s great to se how they grow up and progress.

“I like it because it’s nice to know that you’re helping others.

“My friends like to meet them all too.”

She has been so touched by her mum’s work, that she has ambitions to be a foster carer herself.

“I just think it’s such an amazing thing to do,” she said.

Coventry Fostering Service runs a support group specifically for the sons and daughters of foster carers.

The Enterprise Group gives a voice to these children and young people, helps them to meet others in similar situations, share thoughts and ideas and have fun.

Many of the youngsters see it as an opportunity to meet other children, like Lee Little, an 11-year-old, who has opened his arms to foster children at his Whitley home for the past five years.

The Whitley Abbey School pupil said: “I like it because I get to meet new people, either other foster children or through the support group for other children of foster carers like me. I’ve made lots of friends because of it.”

His mum Chris, aged 40, said she felt compelled to become a foster carer and is grateful for her son’s invaluable support.

She said: “There are so many children out there without loving families or homes to go to and I thought that if I could do something to help, it would make a real difference.”

Jade Wincott, aged 15, a Coundon Court School pupil, said: “I just like to see how they change from first moving in with us to the day that they leave.

“When they first come here they’re sometimes a bit badly behaved but by the time they go, they’re much more polite.”

Her mother Saraine, aged 44, said: “I’ve always wanted to be a foster carer from when I was first pregnant, seeing images of abused children on TV. I felt I had to something to help.

“I grew up with just me and my brother, so I’ve always dreamed of having a large family. The thought of lots of people around the dinner table was really appealing.

“My husband was keen that we had all our children before we started fostering.”

Jade’s siblings – Chrissie, 13, Kayleigh, 24 and Scott, 20 – also helped out in the family’s five years of foster care, even though many had left the Coundon home.

Saraine added: “It’s been a real team effort. I can honestly say I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Warmth of the kids so special – Lord Mayor

SPEAKING from experience, as someone who was fostered from the age of two before being adopted, Coventry’s Lord Mayor, Coun Jack Harrison, reflected on his time with foster families.

He said: “The warmth and affection these children show towards foster children in their home is a really special thing.

“The message is that we need more foster families and these young people help by spreading the message that it’s a good thing to do.

“I know what it’s like to be fostered and have many fond memories of the experience.

“I played with the foster parents’ children, who I saw as brothers and sisters.”

Shanti Eaves, head of service for Looked After Children, said: “Being part of a family who fosters has a big impact on the children.

“Although their parents will be responsible for the foster children that come to stay, the lives of the family’s children will change too and they will be involved in helping to make the foster children feel comfortable in their home.

“We know that the sons and daughters of foster carers are a key component of the success of a placement and, therefore, are key to promoting positive outcomes for children in foster care. We value their role very much.”

There is a shortage of foster families in the city and the service is appealing for people from varied backgrounds to apply.

Lynne Thomas, Coventry Fostering Service recruitment team manager, said: “We welcome inquiries from a diverse range of people, including couples and single parents. The skills they have gained in caring for their own children will also help to support local foster children.

“It is important that people consider how fostering fits in with their family’s lifestyle, for example having a spare bedroom for the foster child.

“But, as the children at the ceremony show, fostering can be a very positive experience for the whole family.”

For more information, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/fostering or call 024 7678 5577.